Cheryl & I have visited Trinity Baptist, Norman OK, with pastor Ronnie Rogers, for a couple of weeks, and both Sunday mornings they have sung the song, “Lord We Come To Hear Your Word” just before the message. I visited with worship leader Randy Presley after the service today, asking for the name of the song, because it is such an appropriate prayer song leading up to the pastor’s message.

It was written by Kenneth Puls, a songwriter and worship leader in New Mexico. I believe that many of our churches would be blessed by singing a prayer song like this one to prepare their hearts before the message. You can listent to Puls’ song, or purchase it, here; I’d encourage you to prayerfully listen to the song, and implement it in your services as the Lord leads. I think a church could do worse than having a tradition of singing this song each week before the pastor’s sermon! The lyrics are below:

Lord, We Come to Hear Your Word
I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor shall they be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the LORD (Jeremiah 23:4 ESV).

1. Lord, we come to hear Your Word.
Shine Your light! Unsheathe Your sword!
Send Your Spirit forth in pow’r.
Come and bless Your church this hour.

2. We confess, our thoughts have strayed;
Minds distracted and dismayed.
On the Son fix now each thought;
Help us worship as we ought.

3. Lord, as we prepare to hear,
Wake each soul, unstop each ear.
Conquer every stubborn heart;
Mercy, saving grace impart.

4. Understanding, Lord we need;
Wisdom, too, to hear and heed.
Send illumination’s light;
Open eyes and give us sight.

5. Lord, we lift up to Your care
Him who stands now to declare
Truth that teaches, warns, consoles;
Bless this feast to feed our souls.

6. We confess, without Your grace,
Vain our efforts in this place.
You must come and warm and stir,
For true worship to occur.

7. For Your Word, O Lord, we yearn;
Empty, let it not return.
Come, accomplish all Your will —
Draw, convict, give life and fill.

WORDS: Ken Puls, July 6, 1997
MUSIC: H. A. César Malan (1827)
TUNE: HENDON (7.7.7.7. with repeat)
THEME: Feasting on the Word
Words ©1998 Kenneth A Puls